"We have a big battle on our hands for the constructors' title and we have lost ground to Ferrari in each of the past race weekends - even though we had the base performance to do better.

"This is the moment to keep our feet on the ground, focus clearly on the objective and trust in our processes and people to deliver.

"In the cockpit, I know that both Lewis and Valtteri are determined to end their respective seasons on a high note; as a team, we are aiming to finish this year with our heads held high and with two performances that properly reflect the level of performance we have attained this year."

TALK OF THE PADDOCK

Three seats remain unfilled for the 2019 season and the scramble for a drive is gathering pace with Racing Point Force India, Williams and Toro Rosso the teams considering their options.

Esteban Gutierrez, Robert Kubica and Esteban Ocon have all been linked with Williams since the Mexican Grand Prix, while Lance Stroll is widely expected to join Sergio Perez at Racing Point Force India.

Daniil Kvyat's partner at Toro Rosso remains unclear, with F2 star Alexander Albon the latest to be linked with the vacancy.

One man who won't be in F1 next season is Marcus Ericsson after his switch to IndyCar, the Swede having lost his Sauber seat to Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.